How to Make Bonsai

When someone asks how to make bonsai, I take a deep breath.

There are many answers to this question!

Any method used to propagate a plant, you can also use to start a bonsai.

Seeds , cuttings, air layers, nursery stock and “pre bonsai” can all be “how to make bonsai” beginnings.

You can learn on your own through books, videos etc.

However, 'hands-on' bonsai instructions from a teacher, will likely get you started faster and more likely in the right direction.

Where to Find Bonsai Teachers

There are many clubs and societies throughout the world.

Most groups welcome beginners and are happy to answer questions about how to make bonsai.

Some hold "how to make bonsai lessons".

In addition, clubs can help you find sources of bonsai supplies.

Bonsai dealers, shops and nurseries often offer bonsai classes too.

Many have highly qualified instructors.

There is also a huge amount of bonsai information online. (Some legitimate, some not.)

If you want to learn traditional bonsai, be wary of online new, easy and unique ways of how to make bonsai.

Before You Buy ...

Review this 'Basic Things to Look For' List

Bonsai Kits

Beginners often start with a 'how to make bonsai starter kit.' Kits usually include a small plastic bonsai pot, a little bag of soil and either "bonsai seeds" or a very small plant.

I have seen very few kits with good starter trees.

Many are nothing more than rooted cuttings or young seedlings. Kits of this type are a very slow  way to begin.

Especially if you are buying online ... read descriptions carefully.

If you are a little more anxious to really learn, gather your own supplies.

Starter Trees

Bonsai starter trees are often ordinary nursery stock from garden centers.

Remember, these starter plants do not necessarily have to be actual trees.

Shrubs, vines and even some succulents can work as good bonsai starters.

Another way to get a 'head start,' is to dig up a tree in the wild or perhaps your neighbor's yard (with permission, of course.)

Be sure to see the page on some of the best Beginner Bonsai Trees.

Pre-Bonsai

Bonsai dealers often have what is called “pre-bonsai.”

A good pre-bonsai is a plant that someone else discovered as having good bonsai potential. It should be slightly trimmed and/or root pruned to get you started.

Working with Your Plant

Once you get your starter plant, remove a little of the top soil, see if it has more “nebari” than you thought.

(Mentioned on the 'Basic Things to Look For' List.)

Set your tree on a turntable.

It doesn't have to be expensive. My first bonsai turntable was an old $1. garage sale lazy-susan. I admit the “real” bonsai turntable that came later was very nice to have.

Keep turning your plant. Study it. Try to imagine it as a bonsai. Find the front. Observe the branch placement.

(If you purchased a "finished bonsai" and you like the way it looks ... the goal is to keep it that way.)

If you are creating your own bonsai, in order to prune properly you must have a plan.  If you have a good teacher or read a good book, you now have a plan.

The first thing to cut is what you know you don't want!

Prune off long new shoots, growth that is going straight up or down and remove any branches below your choice of a first branch. Now look again.

Are you beginning to see a future in your little tree?

Root Pruning

Root Pruning instructions can be very different from one species to another.

The amount of roots to be removed, where you live and the proper time of year are vital questions.

Don't be over-anxious to get your starter into a bonsai pot.

Do not root prune without advice!

Many thanks to the Buffalo, NY Bonsai Society for use of all the bonsai tree pictures on this page.

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Where to Go From Here

Have you read the page about buying a bonsai tree?

Are you planning to grow  indoor bonsai?